Ewen Macdonald moves to Christchurch prison

Ewen Macdonald had been held at Manawatu Prison since being charged with murder. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Ewen Macdonald has been moved to a prison in Christchurch without his only registered victim, the wife of slain farmer Scott Guy, being informed.

The Feilding farmer was acquitted of murdering his brother-in-law Scott Guy last year, but was later sentenced to five years in prison for arson, vandalism and killing deer and calves on neighbouring Feilding farms.

He had been held at Manawatu Prison since being charged with murder, but One News reported he spent last night at Rimutaka Prison and was moved to Christchurch Prison today.

The Corrections Department has refused to comment on why Macdonald was moved, but One News said it was so he could undertake a rehabilitation programme, which could include psychiatric counselling or supervised outings.

Mr Guy's widow Kylee, who is Macdonald's only registered victim, was not informed that Macdonald was being moved.

Macdonald had already served more than a year in Manawatu Prison while awaiting trial last year.

He was denied parole at his first hearing at Manawatu Prison in December, with the board saying it was not satisfied he no longer posed an "undue risk to the safety of the community".